As a parent, ensuring your child’s well-being while they study abroad is paramount. The Parent of a Child Student (PCS) visa facilitates this by allowing you to stay with your child in the UK while they pursue their education. This article provides a detailed overview of the legal requirements and conditions associated with the PCS visa, helping you navigate the application process with confidence.
Conditions of Permission Granted Under the PCS Route
The PCS visa is specifically tailored for parents who wish to accompany their child, who is studying in the UK on a Child Student Visa. However, several critical restrictions apply to PCS visa holders:
- Prohibition on Work and Study: PCS visa holders are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of employment or educational pursuits while in the UK. This includes self-employment, business activities, and remote work. Any breach of this condition can result in the refusal of a PCS visa extension.
- Restriction on Visa Switching: PCS visa holders cannot switch to any other visa category while in the UK. They are only permitted to extend their stay under the PCS route.
Requirements for the Child Student
For a PCS visa application to be successful, the accompanying child must satisfy specific criteria:
- Age Criteria: The child must be between 4 and 11 years of age at the time of the visa application.
- School Registration: The child must be enrolled at an independent school in the UK.
- Age Restriction at Decision: If the child turns 12 before the application decision is made, or is already 12 or older at the time of the application, there is a high likelihood of refusal.
Relationship and Care Requirements
Only one parent can apply for the PCS visa as the primary carer of the child. The following conditions must be met:
- Primary Carer: The applicant must be the parent of a child who is either currently in the UK on a Child Student Visa or is applying to come to the UK on such a visa.
- Exclusion of the Other Parent: The other parent of the child must not be in the UK and must not be applying to enter the UK.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support their stay in the UK without recourse to public funds:
- Monthly Maintenance Funds: Applicants need to show they have £1,560 per month for up to 9 months of their intended stay.
- Additional Child Maintenance: If additional children will accompany the applicant, they must demonstrate an additional £625 per month for each child, up to 9 months.
- Maintenance of Main Home: Applicants must maintain a primary residence outside the UK, underscoring that the PCS visa does not lead to permanent settlement.
Conclusion
By adhering to these legal requirements and conditions, parents can ensure a smoother application process for the PCS visa. At Quastels, we are dedicated to assisting you through every step of the application, ensuring that you and your child can focus on their educational journey with peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalised legal guidance, please consult a qualified immigration solicitor.
If you or your connections require legal advice, please contact Jayesh Jethwa or fill out our enquiry form below.
